Ten years ago Jennifer started writing stories to go with her remarkable paintings. Below is Chapter One to the "Oregon Love Story". No names, no faces, it's everyones story that comes to Oregon. Jennifer will be releaseing the Chapter two entitled "The Journey continues" this fall.

"History has intrigued me throughout my life and now living in the west my interest has only grown. I have traveled and researched the area through museums, archives, and researched the development of the American west. Our western lifestyle is changing rapidly and I hope that everyone will continue to preserve and to celebrate the magnificent history that is still unfolding" explains Jennifer.

The Oregon Trail-

 

 

After the Square Dance. ...
AN OREGON LOVE STORY~ Chapter 1
Independence Missouri ,The wagon train rolled out of town and headed on the long dusty trail, The Oregon Trail. To keep herself occupied she started the tatting of the lace. Day's, weeks, months, went by of hardship….husbands and wives lost one another through tragic circumstances, children lost parents , and the everyday struggle of moving the wagon train forward began to take a toll on many. She continued the lace, remembering the design her grandmother had taught her finally arriving at Fort Bosie. A time to relax regroup and decide what direction to take, The Whitman Mission or the Meek Trail through Central Oregon.She went ahead and selected the journey through Central Oregon. Never realizing she would meet the love of her life on this very trail. Her life would never be the same. She continued working on the lace. The new settlers gathered together one evening next to the fire and decided to square dance. A gentlemen and a lady,They just met….And they immediately knew at once they would be together for a life time.

 

Saddle Up
As the years went by they built their homestead near Ashwood, Oregon
And carved a life out together raising their children and being ranchers
One year the Cattle and Sheep Wars began to take its toll
He decided he had to protect his herd on the upper range for the summer
She helped him collect supplies
But her heart was filled with anguish
Wondering to herself if he would be safe…
Alone with his herd.
So many vigilantes...
She placed a letter to him on his saddle
Before he left with her lace hanky
So he could have something to remind him of her
Through the long hot summer...
She wrote…
My Dear Love,
I will miss you dearly
As you go to the
Oregon Outback with our cattle herd my heart aches
I never knew my life would be filled with such love...

Coming Home
The summer seemed like it lasted for years
The losses to the cattle mounted and the herd was reduced in number
The sheep and cattle wars continued
Each wanting apiece of the land…
He longed for home...
He sent a letter
Darling,
I will be returning home
After the first frost
I miss you
Watch for me coming through
The canyon soon…
Yes, we still have a herd...
Tell the children I love them

 

After The Square Dance-